Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has slated rules he claims are killing Formula One and warned billionaire benefactor Dietrich Mateschitz could pull the plug on the team if he loses his passion for the sport.

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Marko’s remarks come the day after team principal Christian Horner called on the FIA for an equalisation of the regulations following Mercedes’ crushing one-two start to the season in the Australian Grand Prix, spearheaded by Lewis Hamilton.

Horner further suggested fans will turn away from F1 if Mercedes are not reined in as the German manufacturing giant has now won 17 of the last 20 races.

Horner’s comments drew short shrift from Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff who told his rivals to simply stop complaining and try to do a better. Now Marko has added his voice, which will likely be viewed as sour grapes given Red Bull’s slide after winning four consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ titles from 2010 to 2013.

For now, Marko has made clear there is growing disillusionment with what has transpired since the arrival of the current power units at the start of last season.

“We will evaluate the situation again as every year and look into costs and revenues,” said Marko. “If we are totally dissatisfied we could contemplate an F1 exit. The danger is there that Mateschitz loses his passion for F1.”

Although Red Bull were the only team to win a race other than Mercedes last season – with Daniel Ricciardo triumphant on three occasions – the Milton Keynesbased marque has struggled with power-unit supplier Renault.

Notably at Melbourne’s Albert Park the team were down on power compared to Mercedes and Ferrari, with Horner making his displeasure clear post race.

Slating the 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged systems, Marko added: “These power units are the wrong solution for F1. We would say this even if Renault were in the lead. The technical rules are not understandable, much too complicated, and too expensive.

“We are governed by an engineers’ formula. We wanted cost reduction too, but it is not happening like this. A designer like Adrian Newey is castrated by this engine formula. These rules will kill the sport.” 

Newey, the most decorated designer in F1 history, has previously expressed his dissatisfaction with the regulations and is taking a less hands-on role this season as he adds his experience to Sir Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup bid.